During National Breastfeeding Month, Osceola Hospital highlights benefits of sustained breastfeeding

This August, as Orlando-area physicians, nurses and lactation specialists tout the benefits of breastfeeding during National Breastfeeding Month, findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention underscore the benefits of sustained nursing up to three, four and six months.

Florida moms do support breastfeeding, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control. Of new moms surveyed in 2020, 82% began breastfeeding their newborns at birth. 

However, the percentages begin to decline within weeks. Among women who exclusively breastfed, 47% continued through three months and 22% through six months. For those who also used formula, 55% continued some level of nursing at six months and 34% continued some level of nursing at 12 months.

“Breastfeeding provides unparalleled health benefits for both infants and mothers, and we strongly encourage it for as long as possible,” said Michelle Farris, chief nursing officer of HCA Florida Osceola Hospital. “We also understand breastfeeding can be challenging for women due to medical issues, work commitments and personal circumstances. Our goal is to support all mothers in making the best choices for their families by providing the necessary resources, education, and encouragement.”

Nursing for the first three months of a newborn’s life can significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal diseases in infants, added Farris.

Nursing for up to four months protects babies against asthma for the first two years of life, while breastfeeding for longer periods of time offers protection that extends past five years.  Exclusive breastfeeding for four months lowers a baby’s risk for chest infections and diarrhea as their digestive and immune systems continue to develop.

The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months to ensure optimal growth, development, and health. Six months of nursing also reduces the risk of ear, nose, throat and sinus infections and may also protect against respiratory allergies. 

“Whether a mother should breastfeed, or for how long, is an individual decision that can be affected by many different circumstances,” said Farris. “But for those who can, the bottom line is more breastfeeding time brings more benefits to the baby.”

Beyond the benefits to the baby, experts add breastfeeding helps new moms recover from the birth experience and skin-to-skin contact creates quality bonding between mother and baby.